Echography of the Cervix and Uterus During the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca Radiata)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Echography of the Cervix and Uterus During the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca Radiata) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Vol 53, No 1 Copyright 2014 January 2014 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Pages 18–23 Echography of the Cervix and Uterus during the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca radiata) Uddhav K Chaudhari,1,* Siddnath M Metkari,2 Dhyananjay D Manjaramkar,2 Geetanjali Sachdeva,1 Rajendra Katkam,1 Atmaram H Bandivdekar,3 Abhishek Mahajan,4 Meenakshi H Thakur,4 and Sanjiv D Kholkute1 We undertook the present study to investigate the echographic characteristics of the uterus and cervix of female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The cervix was tortuous in shape and measured 2.74 ± 0.30 cm (mean ± SD) in width by 3.10 ± 0.32 cm in length. The cervical lumen contained 2 or 3 col- liculi, which projected from the cervical canal. The echogenicity of cervix varied during proliferative and secretory phases. The uterus was pyriform in shape (2.46 ± 0.28 cm × 1.45 ± 0.19 cm) and consisted of serosa, myometrium, and endometrium. The endometrium generated a triple-line pattern; the outer and central lines were hyperechogenic, whereas the inner line was hypoechogenic. The endometrium was significantly thicker during the secretory phase (0.69 ± 0.12 cm) than during the proliferative phase (0.43 ± 0.15 cm). Knowledge of the echogenic changes in the female reproductive organs of bonnet monkeys during a regular menstrual cycle may facilitate understanding of other physiologic and pathophysiologic changes. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive, atraumatic, and simple Materials and Methods method to assess various organs in humans and nonhuman pri- Animals and husbandry practices. Adult female bonnet macaques 11 mates. Ultrasonography has been used to detect fetal growth, (Macaca radiate; n = 15) showing normal menstrual cycles under- endometrial thickness, and endometriosis in rhesus macaques went abdominal ultrasonography during their late proliferative 17,20,26 (Macaca mulatta), and color Doppler ultrasonography (days 6 through 13) and midsecretory (days 16 through 21) phases. has used for characterizing uteroplacental hemodynamics and Bonnet monkeys used in the present study were wild-caught from 22,29 assessing fetal and placental blood flow in that species. In a forest in southern India. Monkeys were housed individually and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), ultrasound tech- fed with fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, ground nuts, bangal niques have been applied in transfundal uterine sperm recovery, grams, and so forth. Water was provided ad libitum. Housing follicular fluid aspiration, assessment of endometrial changes conditions were a 12:12-h light:dark cycle, with a temperature of during the menstrual cycle, evaluation of folliculogenesis, 24 to 28 °C and relative humidity of 30% to 70%. Previous reports 5,33-35 and ovulation induction studies. Other primates species from our laboratory have shown that the length of menstrual wherein ultrasound techniques have been used are vervet mon- cycle in bonnet monkeys is 25 to 30 d.6,24 Menstrual cyclicity was 31 30 keys (Cercopithecus aethiops), owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae), monitored for at least 2 cycles by daily vaginal swab examination 9,12 and common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). at 1100. The day of visible vaginal bleeding was considered as Bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) have been used as an animal day 1, and ultrasonography was performed on days 6 through 6,23,24 model for research on contraceptive agents, endometrial 13 (proliferative phase) and 16 through 21 (secretory phases). The 18,27,28 10 biology, and assisted reproductive technologies. Al- ultrasound protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal though bonnet macaques bear close similarity with rhesus Ethics Committee, and ultrasound examinations were performed macaques, ultrasound profile of cervix and uterus in these spe- during routine health monitoring of bonnet monkeys in the colony. cies has not yet been characterized. We undertook the present To ensure that the monkey’s urinary bladders should be full dur- study to evaluate the echographic profile of the cervix and ing ultrasound examination, water bowls were removed during uterus in regularly cycling bonnet macaques in the proliferative the evening prior to the exam and replaced the morning of the (days 6 through 13 after overt bleeding) and secretory phases ultrasonography. The animal facility at the institute is registered (days 16 through 21) of menstrual cycle. Knowledge of the nor- with the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of mal ultrasonographic profiles of the female reproductive organs Experiments on Animals, Ministry of Social Justice and Empower- may facilitate the identification of pathophysiological changes ment, Government of India (registration no. 78/1999/CPCSEA). during natural or stimulated cycles in bonnet monkeys. Gynecologic ultrasound examination. A gynecologic ultrasound evaluation of the cervix and uterus was performed in B mode by Received: 22 May 2013. Revision requested: 03 Jul 2013. Accepted: 11 Jul 2013. using high-resolution linear curved transducers (L12-5 MHz and 1Department of Primate Biology, 2Animal House Facility, and 3Department of Biochem- C5-2 MHz probes, HDXE11 ultrasound system, Philips, Andover, istry, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Indian Council MA). The shape, echogenic texture, position, and dimensions of of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, India; 4Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Parel, Mumbai, India. the cervix and uterus were studied during the late proliferative *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Monkeys were 18 Ultrasonography of reproductive organs Figure 1. An ultrasound image of the reproductive organs of bonnet monkeys obtained by using the C5-2 probe during (A) late proliferative and (B) midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle, demonstrating the echogenicity of the uterus and cervix during the proliferative (hypoechoic) and midsecretory (hyperechoic) phases. The cervical canal appears open and filled with mucus during the proliferative phase compared with secretory phase. C, cervix; CC, cervical canal; CrDC, cranial dorsal colliculus; CuDC, caudal dorsal colliculus; Is, isthmus; U, uterus; UC, uterine cavity; V, vagina; VC, ventral colliculus. Figure 2. An ultrasound image of the cervix of bonnet monkeys during the late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, obtained by using the L12-3 probe. (A) Sagittal view. (B) Transverse view. The cervical canal appears open and contains mucus, and colliculi are separated and distinctly visible. CC, cervical canal; CrDC, cranial dorsal colliculus; CW, cervical wall; VC, ventral colliculus. sedated with ketamine (10 mg/kg body weight) and placed in a RWave Cardio Products, Mumbai, India) was applied to the shaved supine position. The region was disinfected (Savlon, Johnson and area. Initially the entire reproductive tract was examined by using Johnson, Mumbai, India), and the hair was shaved from 2/3 of the the C5-2MHz transducer. The transducer was placed sagittally abdominal cavity, to the pubic symphysis. Ultrasound gel (RTrace, on the lower midline of the pelvic–abdominal region to locate the 19 Vol 53, No 1 Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science January 2014 Figure 3. An ultrasound image of the cervix of bonnet monkeys during the midsecretory phase of the menstrual cycle, obtained by using the L12-3 probe. (A) Sagittal view. (B) Transverse view. The cervical canal appears collapsed, and colliculi are merged. CC, cervical canal; CrDC, cranial dorsal colliculus; CuDC, caudal dorsal colliculus; VC, ventral colliculus. vagina, cervix, and uterus. The linear L12-5 MHz transducer then Table 1. Cervical, uterine, and endometrial measurements (cm; mean was used for individual examination of the cervix and uterus. The ± SD) during the late proliferative and midsecretory phases of the uterus was localized in the lower 2/3 of the abdominal area. The menstrual cycle of bonnet monkeys cervix was localized above the pubic symphysis. The craniocaudal Late proliferative Midsecretory and dorsoventral diameters of the cervix, uterus, and endometrium Cervix were measured from sagittal scans, and the transverse diameters of Craniocaudal diameter 2.74 ± 0.30 2.69 ± 0.24 these organs were obtained from transverse scans.16 Four observa- Dorsoventral diameter a b tions were made for each monkey during both the proliferative and 3.10 ± 0.32 2.88 ± 0.37 secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The cervix was measured Transverse diameter 2.86 ± 0.28 2.62 ± 0.27 from the internal os to external os (craniocaudal diameter) and from Uterus the dorsal colliculi to ventral colliculi (dorsoventral diameter). The Craniocaudal diameter 2.46 ± 0.28 2.41 ± 0.32 uterus was measured from the outer body of uterus (fundus) to the Dorsoventral diameter 1.45 ± 0.19a 1.39 ± 0.24b internal os of the cervix to obtain the craniocaudal and dorsoventral Transverse diameter 1.42 ± 0.37 1.52 ± 0.42 diameters (extending from the dorsal to the ventral side of uterus). Endometrium The endometrium appeared as a triple-line pattern consisting of Craniocaudal diameter 1.20 ± 0.23 1.34 ± 0.42 a prominent outer and central hyperechogenic lines and an inner Dorsoventral diameter 0.43 0.15c 0.69 0.12c hypoechogenic or black region on
Recommended publications
  • Reference Sheet 1
    MALE SEXUAL SYSTEM 8 7 8 OJ 7 .£l"00\.....• ;:; ::>0\~ <Il '"~IQ)I"->. ~cru::>s ~ 6 5 bladder penis prostate gland 4 scrotum seminal vesicle testicle urethra vas deferens FEMALE SEXUAL SYSTEM 2 1 8 " \ 5 ... - ... j 4 labia \ ""\ bladderFallopian"k. "'"f"";".'''¥'&.tube\'WIT / I cervixt r r' \ \ clitorisurethrauterus 7 \ ~~ ;~f4f~ ~:iJ 3 ovaryvagina / ~ 2 / \ \\"- 9 6 adapted from F.L.A.S.H. Reproductive System Reference Sheet 3: GLOSSARY Anus – The opening in the buttocks from which bowel movements come when a person goes to the bathroom. It is part of the digestive system; it gets rid of body wastes. Buttocks – The medical word for a person’s “bottom” or “rear end.” Cervix – The opening of the uterus into the vagina. Circumcision – An operation to remove the foreskin from the penis. Cowper’s Glands – Glands on either side of the urethra that make a discharge which lines the urethra when a man gets an erection, making it less acid-like to protect the sperm. Clitoris – The part of the female genitals that’s full of nerves and becomes erect. It has a glans and a shaft like the penis, but only its glans is on the out side of the body, and it’s much smaller. Discharge – Liquid. Urine and semen are kinds of discharge, but the word is usually used to describe either the normal wetness of the vagina or the abnormal wetness that may come from an infection in the penis or vagina. Duct – Tube, the fallopian tubes may be called oviducts, because they are the path for an ovum.
    [Show full text]
  • Ovarian Cancer and Cervical Cancer
    What Every Woman Should Know About Gynecologic Cancer R. Kevin Reynolds, MD The George W. Morley Professor & Chief, Division of Gyn Oncology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI What is gynecologic cancer? Cancer is a disease where cells grow and spread without control. Gynecologic cancers begin in the female reproductive organs. The most common gynecologic cancers are endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Less common gynecologic cancers involve vulva, Fallopian tube, uterine wall (sarcoma), vagina, and placenta (pregnancy tissue: molar pregnancy). Ovary Uterus Endometrium Cervix Vagina Vulva What causes endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer: one out of every 40 women will develop endometrial cancer. It is caused by too much estrogen, a hormone normally present in women. The most common cause of the excess estrogen is being overweight: fat cells actually produce estrogen. Another cause of excess estrogen is medication such as tamoxifen (often prescribed for breast cancer treatment) or some forms of prescribed estrogen hormone therapy (unopposed estrogen). How is endometrial cancer detected? Almost all endometrial cancer is detected when a woman notices vaginal bleeding after her menopause or irregular bleeding before her menopause. If bleeding occurs, a woman should contact her doctor so that appropriate testing can be performed. This usually includes an endometrial biopsy, a brief, slightly crampy test, performed in the office. Fortunately, most endometrial cancers are detected before spread to other parts of the body occurs Is endometrial cancer treatable? Yes! Most women with endometrial cancer will undergo surgery including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in addition to removal of ovaries and lymph nodes.
    [Show full text]
  • Echography of the Cervix and Uterus During the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca Radiata)
    Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Vol 53, No 1 Copyright 2014 January 2014 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Pages 18–23 Echography of the Cervix and Uterus during the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca radiata) Uddhav K Chaudhari,1,* Siddnath M Metkari,2 Dhyananjay D Manjaramkar,2 Geetanjali Sachdeva,1 Rajendra Katkam,1 Atmaram H Bandivdekar,3 Abhishek Mahajan,4 Meenakshi H Thakur,4 and Sanjiv D Kholkute1 We undertook the present study to investigate the echographic characteristics of the uterus and cervix of female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The cervix was tortuous in shape and measured 2.74 ± 0.30 cm (mean ± SD) in width by 3.10 ± 0.32 cm in length. The cervical lumen contained 2 or 3 col- liculi, which projected from the cervical canal. The echogenicity of cervix varied during proliferative and secretory phases. The uterus was pyriform in shape (2.46 ± 0.28 cm × 1.45 ± 0.19 cm) and consisted of serosa, myometrium, and endometrium. The endometrium generated a triple-line pattern; the outer and central lines were hyperechogenic, whereas the inner line was hypoechogenic. The endometrium was significantly thicker during the secretory phase (0.69 ± 0.12 cm) than during the proliferative phase (0.43 ± 0.15 cm). Knowledge of the echogenic changes in the female reproductive organs of bonnet monkeys during a regular menstrual cycle may facilitate understanding of other physiologic and pathophysiologic changes. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive, atraumatic, and simple Materials and Methods method to assess various organs in humans and nonhuman pri- Animals and husbandry practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Caring for Yourself After Your Cone Biopsy of the Cervix | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
    PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION Caring for Yourself After Your Cone Biopsy of the Cervix This information explains how to care for yourself after a cone biopsy of your cervix. About Your Cone Biopsy of the Cervix Your cervix is the bottom part of your uterus. It connects your uterus to your vagina (see Figure 1). It’s the part of your uterus that dilates (opens) during childbirth. When you have your period, menstrual blood flows through your cervix to your vagina and out of your body. Figure 1. Uterus, cervix, and vagina Caring for Yourself After Your Cone Biopsy of the Cervix 1/3 During a cone biopsy, your doctor will remove a small, cone-shaped part of your cervix. They will study it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your cervix to heal after this procedure. Caring for Yourself at Home In the first 24 hours after your procedure: Drink 8 to 12 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids. Eat well-balanced, healthy meals. The first 4 days after your procedure, you may have vaginal discharge that looks like menstrual bleeding. The amount varies for everyone. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks after your procedure, your vaginal discharge will become clear and watery and then will stop. Use sanitary pads for vaginal discharge. For 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure or until your doctor tells you your cervix is healed: Don’t put anything inside your vagina (such as tampons and douches) or have vaginal intercourse. Take showers instead of baths.
    [Show full text]
  • Colposcopy of the Uterine Cervix
    THE CERVIX: Colposcopy of the Uterine Cervix • I. Introduction • V. Invasive Cancer of the Cervix • II. Anatomy of the Uterine Cervix • VI. Colposcopy • III. Histology of the Normal Cervix • VII: Cervical Cancer Screening and Colposcopy During Pregnancy • IV. Premalignant Lesions of the Cervix The material that follows was developed by the 2002-04 ASCCP Section on the Cervix for use by physicians and healthcare providers. Special thanks to Section members: Edward J. Mayeaux, Jr, MD, Co-Chair Claudia Werner, MD, Co-Chair Raheela Ashfaq, MD Deborah Bartholomew, MD Lisa Flowers, MD Francisco Garcia, MD, MPH Luis Padilla, MD Diane Solomon, MD Dennis O'Connor, MD Please use this material freely. This material is an educational resource and as such does not define a standard of care, nor is intended to dictate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. It presents methods and techniques of clinical practice that are acceptable and used by recognized authorities, for consideration by licensed physicians and healthcare providers to incorporate into their practice. Variations of practice, taking into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitation unique to the institution or type of practice, may be appropriate. I. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NORMAL CERVIX, NEOPLASIA, AND COLPOSCOPY The uterine cervix presents a unique opportunity to clinicians in that it is physically and visually accessible for evaluation. It demonstrates a well-described spectrum of histological and colposcopic findings from health to premalignancy to invasive cancer. Since nearly all cervical neoplasia occurs in the presence of human papillomavirus infection, the cervix provides the best-defined model of virus-mediated carcinogenesis in humans to date.
    [Show full text]
  • CERVICAL CANCER About Gynecologic Cancer
    CERVICAL CANCER About Gynecologic Cancer There are five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) cancer. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.) This fact sheet about cervical cancer is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Inside Knowledge: About Gynecologic Cancer campaign. The campaign helps women get the facts about gynecologic cancer, providing important “inside knowledge” about their bodies and health. What is cervical cancer? Cancer is a disease in which cells Are there tests that can prevent cervical cancer or find it early? in the body grow out of control. There are two tests that can either help prevent cervical cancer or find it early: Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it • Depending on your age, your doctor may recommend you have a Pap spreads to other body parts later. test, or an HPV test, or both tests together. When cancer starts in the • The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes, on the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. cervix that can be treated, so that cervical cancer is prevented. The Pap The cervix is the lower, narrow test also can find cervical cancer early, when treatment is most effective. end of the uterus. The cervix The Pap test only screens for cervical cancer. It does not screen for any connects the vagina (the birth canal) other gynecologic cancer.
    [Show full text]
  • UNDERSTANDING the CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCES of CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS: a PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY by Caitlin Mathewson Bscn
    UNDERSTANDING THE CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCES OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY By Caitlin Mathewson BScN, (McMaster, 2008) A thesis presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing in the Program of Nursing Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2016 © Caitlin Mathewson 2016 AUTHOR'S DECLARATION I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii UNDERSTANDING THE CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCES OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY Abstract By Caitlin Mathewson Master of Nursing Ryerson University, Toronto, 2016 This study describes the childbirth experiences of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews of four women who gave birth to a baby within the last five years. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: control, anxiety, and detachment. This contributes to the current body of research by extending knowledge on what it means to experience childbirth for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, told by the woman herself. These findings are especially important in understanding what is required in providing safe, sensitive care for all childbearing women, and has important implications for practice, education, and further research.
    [Show full text]
  • Ovarian Differences Cow Mare
    Animal/Dairy Science 434 Female comparative anatomy; History of Reproductive Physiology Ovarian Differences Cow Mare Sow Cow Cow, Sow, Ewe, Human Sow • Cortex on outside • Ovulation can occur on any point of the ovary Preovulatory Tertiary Follicle Mare Blood vessels and connective tissue in medulla • Inversion of the cortex and medulla • Ovulation occurs at the Ovulation Fossa Internal CL Cow Mare Rabbit, Oposum Duplex Mouse 2 Uterine Horns 2 2 Cervixes 1 Vaginas Vagina Uterine and Cervical Differences Cow Sow Mare Cow Bicornuate Sow Ewe Smaller uterine horns 1 Vagina 1 Cervix Large 1 Uterine Body uterine 2 Uterine Horns horns Bicornuate Mare Large uterine body 1 Vagina Smaller uterine horns 1 Cervix 1 Uterine Body 2 Uterine Horns Bicornuate Bitch (Canine) Queen (Feline) 1 Vagina 1 Cervix 1 Uterine Body 2 Uterine Horns Small uterine body Long uterine horns Simplex Woman Large uterine body 1 Vagina No uterine horns 1 Cervix 1 Uterine Body Human Tract Human Tract A 47-year old woman underwent a hysterectomy for excessively heavy menses. She had previously had four normal deliveries. This structure was removed, what is wrong? COW Uterine Body Internal Cervical Os • Cervix is composed of thick connective tissue • Mucus is secreted near the time of Cow has 4-5 breeding and annular rings ovulation. Cervix External Cervical Os Vagina Uterine Body Uterine Body Longitudinal Mare Folds Sow No obstacles Interdigitating pads No fornix vagina Fornix Vagina Vagina Vagina Cervical Folds Cervix FV IP Sow Mare External Genitalia Sow Mare Cow Ewe What
    [Show full text]
  • Pelvic Exams, Pap Tests, and Oral Contraceptives When You Need Tests to Get Birth Control Pills— and When You Don’T
    ® Pelvic exams, Pap tests, and oral contraceptives When you need tests to get birth control pills— and when you don’t efore you get birth control pills, your doctor may want you to have a pelvic exam with a Pap test. Your doctor should Bget a complete medical history before giving you a prescription for birth control pills. But you usually don’t need a Pap test and pelvic exam, especially if you are a teen. The tests can even be harmful. Here’s why: Teens usually don’t need the Pap test. A Pap test looks at cells in the cervix for signs of cancer. The cervix is where the vagina connects to the uterus. Many doctors do a Pap test at the same time as a pelvic exam, which checks for infections and other problems. Teenagers generally don’t need a Pap test. They rarely have cervical cancer. to do tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but these tests can be done using Also, Pap tests in teens have unclear results. blood or urine samples. They do not require a Something might seem abnormal, but usually pelvic exam. it gets better on its own.Your doctor may want The pelvic exam can be a barrier to getting Do I need any exam before getting birth birth control. control pills? Many young women are anxious about having You should have pelvic exams and Pap tests their first pelvic exam. So they put off getting based on your age and health history. But you birth control. This is bad for their health don’t need an exam or Pap test just to get a because it can lead to unplanned pregnancies.
    [Show full text]
  • The Femcap Birth Control Method Information and Instructions
    The FemCap Birth Control Method Information and Instructions The FemCap works as a method of birth control by creating a physical barrier against sperm entering the cervix (opening to the uterus). It is a reusable, FDA approved, non-hormonal, and latex-free birth control device. If combined with spermicidal gel placed in the groove on the outside of the cap, it is also a chemical barrier, further decreasing the chance of sperm entering the cervix and uterus causing pregnancy. Women’s Health Specialists provides FemCap fittings and prescriptions in our clinics. FemCaps require a prescription in the United States and then can be ordered from FemCap Inc. Advantages of the FemCap: Disadvantages of the FemCap Controlled by the woman Possible allergies/sensitivity to silicone or Can be inserted up to 40 hours before sex spermicide Does not alter menstrual cycle The cap is reusable Cap is latex-free and hypoallergenic Does not change your body’s natural chemistry Is instantly reversible – when you’re ready to get pregnant just stop using it. Tips for Use: We suggest that you: Practice insertion and check to make sure the cap is covering the cervix. Squatting can make your cervix easier to feel. Check cap placement after intercourse the first few times to make sure it hasn’t slipped off the cervix during intercourse. If this happens you may need a different sized cap. If your partner feels the cap during intercourse, you may want to try a different position. You may want to use emergency contraceptives if the cervical cap was not used or if it slipped off the cervix during intercourse.
    [Show full text]
  • Follicle Growth, Oocyte Maturation, Embryo Development, and Reproductive Biotechnologies in Dog and Cat K. Reynaud,A M. Saint-Dizier,B,C A
    Follicle growth, oocyte maturation, embryo development, and reproductive biotechnologies in dog and cat K. Reynaud,a M. Saint-Dizier,b,c A. Fontbonne,d S.Thoumire,d S. Chastant-Maillarde aINRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, Nouzilly, France bFaculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Tours, Tours, France cCentre d'Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) Alfort National Veterinary School Maisons-Alfort, France dNeoCare, UMR INRA/ENVT 1225 IHAP Reproduction Université de Toulouse, France Abstract Although the dog and cat both belong to the order Carnivorous, their reproductive physiology is quite different. The dog is a nonseasonal, monoestrus species with spontaneous ovulation only twice a year and with an atypical, postovulatory oocyte maturation. Furthermore, the application of reproductive in vitro biotechnologies such as in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or cloning remains quite a challenge in dogs. By contrast, the cat is a polyestrus seasonal species, with ovulation induced several times a year and typical preovulatory oocyte maturation. As a result, manipulation of ovarian physiology is feasible and in vitro reproductive biotechnologies are as efficacious as in cattle. The first part of this review describes the main facts associated with folliculogenesis in the dog and cat (initiation of growth of primordial follicles, appearance of the zona pellucida, formation of antrum, nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocyte, expression of receptors to gonadotrophins, and expression of steroidogenic enzymes). Second part focuses on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and in vivo early embryo development in both species. Last part discusses in vitro reproductive biotechnologies (IVM, IVF, and IVD), embryo transfer, and more recent biotechnologies (cloning, in vitro folliculogenesis, and vitrification of oocytes and follicles).
    [Show full text]
  • Uterus, Cervix and Ovaries
    Uterus, cervix & ovaries The major parts of a woman’s reproductive Fibroids system are the uterus, cervix and the ovaries. The cervix is the entrance to the uterus (womb) Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can be from the vagina, while the ovaries store a as small as a pea, as big as a rockmelon, or even woman’s lifetime supply of eggs for potential larger. They form as lumps of muscle and fibrous fertilisation (pregnancy). tissue within the walls of the uterus of a woman of reproductive age. This fact sheet discusses some conditions that Their exact cause is unknown, but the female may affect these parts of a woman’s body. hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulate their growth. Factors that can increase your risk of getting fibroids include: • getting your period at a younger than normal age • obesity • a family history of fibroids • high blood pressure • never having given birth. Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms. Others may cause heavy bleeding, make pregnancy difficult, and grow large enough to Adenomyosis cause pressure on the bladder and bowel. Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus that Most fibroids, however, do not need treatment. affects women of reproductive age. It can lead to In certain cases, some might be removed and heavy periods, pain during periods and painful at other times hysterectomy (see reverse) maybe sex. It occurs when the cells that are normally the best option. There are also treatments to found in the lining of the uterus (endometrial reduce their size. cells) also grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.
    [Show full text]